darood

Darood, also rendered as durood or salawat, is an invocation of blessings upon the Prophet Muhammad in Islam. The term derives from Arabic and is widely used in Muslim communities, including Urdu- and Indo-Persian-speaking populations, where it is commonly called durood or darood. In practice, it denotes sending peace and blessings upon Muhammad and, in many formulations, upon his family as well.

The practice has a Qur’anic and prophetic basis. The Qur’an instructs believers to “send blessings upon the Prophet and greet him with peace” (surah 33:56). Numerous hadiths emphasize the virtue of sending blessings on the Prophet, and the practice has become a central element of devotion in many traditions.

The most widely known form is the Darood Sharif or Salawat Ibrahimiyya, which is recited in daily prayers and at various devotional occasions. A common version is: Allahumma salli 'ala Muhammadin wa 'ala ali Muhammadin kama sallayta 'ala Ibrahim wa 'ala ali Ibrahim innaka Hamidun Majid. Allahumma barik 'ala Muhammadin wa 'ala ali Muhammadin kama barakta 'ala Ibrahim wa 'ala ali Ibrahim innaka Hamidun Majid. Variations exist across communities, with slight linguistic differences and additional phrases.

Different Islamic traditions emphasize slightly different formulations, but all share the aim of honoring the Prophet and seeking blessings. In Sunni and Shia contexts alike, recitation is generally regarded as a recommended act (mustahabb) that expresses love for the Prophet and fosters spiritual reflection, rather than a formal requirement. It is commonly used in prayers, sermons, religious gatherings, and personal supplication.

See also: Salawat; Durood Sharif; Ibrahimic blessing.